Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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They sold me a story before a scent. Yesterday, I was walking past an Ittar shop without the intention of buying, yet I left feeling completely captivated by the experience. Stepping into Passe in Riyadh is like stepping back in time. The scent of oud and amber fills the air while portraits of Saudi royalty gaze down from the walls. Luxurious chandeliers illuminate ornate displays, each perfume bottle a treasure waiting to be discovered. Passe has masterfully woven the kingdom's history into its very atmosphere, inviting you to experience the perfumery heritage. This wasn’t just about the products—they’ve mastered the psychology of visual merchandising. It’s fascinating how the right atmosphere can make you feel more connected to a brand’s values without saying a single word. Research from POPAI shows that 62% of shoppers make impulse purchases during their trips, with 16% of those linked directly to the displays they see while exploring the store. Have you ever walked into a store and felt instantly drawn to it? Let’s talk about how space and design influence what we buy! #Visualmerchandising #retailsales #KSA #channelplay
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Sundeep Holani
Co-CEO, Channelplay Limited
11h
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Research says that 37% of window shoppers on any given week day are actually Channelplay people studying retail.
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Abdullah Majeed
Sr. Manager Investments
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Well said AbbasBest Regards Abdul Majeed Bangalore +91 9845 222 169
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Varchasva Agarwal
Product Management @Techmart | Consumer Electronics | IT and Gaming | MBA @IMTG | International Business & Marketing | Hamples (UAE) | QuicKart (UAE) | 99%ler VARC- CAT | B.Tech (IT) @MAIT | Author - Research Paper
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This highlights the power of visual merchandising in creating a captivating and immersive shopping experience. As 62% of shoppers make impulse purchases, and 16% of those are influenced by in-store displays, this raises a question: How can businesses leverage visual merchandising to enhance customer engagement and drive sales?
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Ryan Dsa
Aviation Enthusiast ✈️ | Toastmaster Leader at District 127 | UAE Golden Visa Holder 🇦🇪|
20h
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Spot on - visual merchandising is a real USP to possess for retail in these competitive times 😎
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Mona Poonja
Linkedin Top Voice | Global Leadership Talent | Diversity Advocate | Entrepreneur | Learn. Share. Grow.
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Well said Abbas
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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Sphere is coming to Abu Dhabi! I was lucky enough to see it in Vegas but missed U2 live. Can’t wait to catch the next big rock band here. Any guesses on who it will be? #SphereInAbuDhabi #LiveMusic
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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Selling without selling? Sounds strange, right? But hear me out.The other day, I casually walked into the store of a premier heated tobacco brand. I had no intention of buying; I was browsing. The store? Stunning visuals. The branding? Absolutely on point. But what truly stood out was the sales leader, Farid O..He didn’t try to push the product on me. Instead, he walked me through the science behind it, clearly explaining the benefits and educating me on how it works, and then, wait for it… he discouraged me from buying it.Why? Good conversion practices. He explained that the brand’s vision is to help heavy smokers transition to a smoke-free future. The product is only meant for adults who would otherwise continue smoking or using nicotine products—and no one else.Since I didn’t fit the buyer persona—yes, you read that right—he literally told me I didn’t need it. There was no hard sell, no pressure, just honesty. I walked out with no product but respect for the brand.It got me thinking - selling doesn’t always mean closing a deal on the spot. Sometimes, it’s about leaving a lasting impression that builds trust.What do you think? Have you ever walked away from a store with nothing but a sense of brand loyalty? Let’s hear your stories about ethical selling and how it’s shaped your view on brands.#RetailSales #BrandLoyalty #EthicalSelling #CustomerExperience #SalesEthics #channelsale
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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During my visit to Jeddah, I explored the busy streets of Balad, Palestine Street, and the Corniche Commercial Centre. These areas are full of life, with shops selling everything from mobile phones to dry fruits and toys. It’s clear that general trade is still strong, and you can always find a good deal.In Saudi Arabia, general trade accounts for around 60-70% of FMCG sales, with local markets and shops playing a significant role. These places are not just about business—they’re part of the community.At Channelplay Middle East , we help brands succeed in these markets. Through our retail solutions, we support general trade to stay competitive and efficient.#GeneralTrade #Retail #KSA #MiddleEast #Channelplay
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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Since announcing my entrepreneurial venture and the launch of Channelplay Middle East in Riyadh, I’ve often reflected on why sales and retail have always been a deep passion of mine. Growing up in a family of traders, the world of commerce surrounded me—my father ran a grocery store, my uncles owned hardware and paint shops, and my maternal uncle sold glass and plywood. Trade wasn’t just business; it was about community, trust, and relationships. I was fortunate to witness the magic of those connections firsthand.Walking through the vibrant bazaars of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, I feel that same sense of connection. The rich history and community spirit of the general trade here take me back to my roots. At the same time, the large-format stores and the rise of modern trade reflect an evolving landscape—one driven by data, insights, and technology.At Channelplay, we bring together the best of both worlds. We harness the power of technology, program management, and KPI-driven strategies to help clients make impactful decisions in modern and traditional(General) trade environments. Our services, including Visual Merchandising, Sales outsourcing, Loyalty programs, Mystery shopping, and audit services, ensure our clients stay ahead in this competitive market and are all backed by our Full Channel-Tech Stack. The art and science of selling have always fascinated me, and I’m excited to learn from this dynamic market while helping our clients grow.https://lnkd.in/dkG5eC4YThe journey continues, and I couldn’t be more excited!#Retail #Channelplay #KSA #Sales #TraditionMeetsModern
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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"It's through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we've always mapped our path."Michael DellWith great anticipation, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm embarking on a new chapter as the co-founder and CEO of Channelplay Limited Middle East! We're setting up our regional HQ in the vibrant city of Riyadh and gearing up to make waves across the region.A huge high-five to Sundeep Holani, Suhas Misra, and an incredible 400+ strong team for their stellar work with top global brands. Their success is a testament to the power of great products, fantastic service and an entrepreneurial team.I'm eager to leverage this foundation and seize the immense opportunities in the Middle Eastern market. Time to Play!#newbeginnings #growthmindset #entrepreneurshiphttps://lnkd.in/eSFX-uJu#NewBeginnings #ChannelplayME #GrowthMindset #EntrepreneurialSpirit
Channelplay's Middle East Expansion: Know Why https://www.youtube.com/
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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20+ years in client servicing has taught me to value true partnerships. Lionel Rodrigues is one of those rare people who not only became a client but a genuine friend. His ability to handle pressure with a smile and understanding nature made every interaction pleasurable. Lionel consistently approached challenges with grace and empathy, recognising that even service partners have limitations. He is trying very hard to look serious in the picture :)He's now embarking on a new chapter with his family in Mississauga, Ontario, and is seeking opportunities. Please DM Lionel Rodrigues to offer guidance or leads if you have connections. Wishing you all the best, my friend! #clientservicing #newbeginnings #Mississauga #networking
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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We all love the idea of doing what we're passionate about. It's the dream. Wake up every day excited about your work, feel fulfilled, and never "work" a single day in your life. It's a beautiful sentiment but rarely the reality.My friend Hashim Qayoom journey is a testament to this truth. We met over 20 years ago, he was a brilliant engineer with a promising career ahead of him, and over the next decade, he rose through the ranks, gaining experience in Germany and France. By 2016, he was poised to become a top executive.But beneath the surface, a different kind of fire burned within him. Hashim Qayoom had always been passionate about motorcycle riding. He would plan epic adventures for our friends, curating unique experiences. His eyes sparkled when he talked about the thrill of the open road, the freedom, the connection to nature and culture.And then, one day, he did the unthinkable. He quit his corporate job to pursue his passion. He founded "Karmayatri" (www.karmayatri.com), a travel experience company unlike any other. His vision was to create immersive journeys that blended adventure, culture, art, and food.It was a bold move, and not everyone understood it. His mother, bless her heart, still wonders why he'd leave a good career to take strangers on motorcycle rides through the Himalayas or explore remote corners of South India. But Hashim had to follow his heart.The road ahead could have been smoother. Hashim faced countless challenges, from convincing clients to meticulously planning routes to leading the rides himself. There were financial worries, and moments of doubt. But Hashim's unwavering passion and determination kept him going.Today, eight years later, "Karmayatri" is a thriving business. Riders and travellers worldwide seek out Hashim's unique experiences, drawn by his infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the regions he explores. He even got lucky enough to film an episode with the late, great Anthony Bourdain (https://lnkd.in/dqNU62ug)Hashim's story is a powerful reminder that pursuing your passion is a journey filled with challenges and incredible rewards. It requires courage and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. It's about taking that leap of faith.So, I ask you this: What's your passion? What's that one thing that sets your soul on fire? Take a moment to reflect on it. Are you brave enough to chase it, even if it means facing the unknown?
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Abbas Ali
Co-Founder and CEO at Channel Play Middle East, driving retail success.
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As I say goodbye to TASC Outsourcing , I reflect on the past.16 years ago, I got on my first international flight to Dubai for a new job at TASC. At that time, we were a small team of fewer than 10 people with less than 100 outsourced staff. Who would have thought we'd grow to a huge 6500+ workforce with offices in multiple countries and become one of the most successful staffing companies in the GCC market?We expanded into a multi-brand business with AIQU, TASC Corporate Services, Futuremilez, Falak Tayyab, and more to come.This journey has been a roller-coaster, with ups, downs, and lots of laughter. I started by managing a single account and eventually became the Chief Growth Officer, learning and growing every step of the way. Working with the best clients in the industry gave me valuable insights into the talent and staffing world. It's been amazing to see how our work has helped people find new opportunities and reach their career goals.We turned challenging client ideas into successful businesses and learned that even mistakes can lead to amazing discoveries. It's been like a non-stop, high-speed roller-coaster ride fueled by lots of coffee and a shared dream to make TASC grow.The teams I worked with were more than just colleagues; some are still at TASC, others have moved on to different adventures, but each one played a crucial role in our success. It's inspiring to think about how far we've come, and it wouldn't have been possible without everyone's dedication and passion.What have I learned? Well, to always say "yes" to new challenges, embrace the chaos, and never underestimate the power of teamwork. Most importantly, I've learned that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you keep learning and growing.As I move on to my next chapter, I'm grateful for the incredible journey at TASC. I want to thank our founder, Mahesh Shahdadpuri, and everyone who was part of this adventure. You've taught me more than I could have ever imagined.I will summarise my 16 years with EEE: I was Encouraged, Empowered, and provided with excellent Education, including HBS. I am lucky to be a TASC group Alumni.I intend to stay the next 4 weeks without looking at the calendar.
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